Child calming toy with rythmic stimulation

ABSTRACT

An improved child calming device comprising, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, a stuffed animal ( 10 ) having a pocket ( 88 ) within which is contained a heart beat simulating transducer ( 12 ) is disclosed. The transducer is actuated, in a number of optional ways, by application of pressure to an actuator ( 22 ) which is coupled to a switch ( 30 ) which drives an electronic circuit ( 40 ) contained within the housing ( 14 ) of the simulator ( 12 ). The number and power of the &#34;simulated&#34; heart beats may be controlled by selective actuation of the actuator.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to improved pacification devices for children of the type which have a mechanical mechanism for simulating the feel of a heartbeat in a living animal.

BACKGROUND

Over the years considerable technology has developed around the solution to the problem of pacifying babies and small children. Generally, infantile unrest and later, the hyperactivity of small children, are naturally occurring phenomena which, to greater and lesser extents, appear to be “programmed into” human beings from birth. In particular, the response of infants to the outside world appears to be calculated to stimulate the sort of parental attention which would certainly have been required in the relatively dangerous environment in which man evolved.

Thus, the classic pattern appears. A child cries, signaling its mother to devote some attention to the child either in the form of hugging, cuddling, nursing or the like. Upon the application of one of these stimuli, the child often stops crying, depending, to some extent, upon the particular stimulus.

Above and beyond this it has been found in research with related species that withholding such stimuli can have permanent adverse effects on personality development and the mental stability of the adult animal. Controlled studies have shown, for example, that primates brought up in sterile laboratory surroundings without any objects around them have been found to be significantly disadvantaged as compared to other animals of the same species which were provided with a form which they could hug and which included structure within which they could protect themselves.

While such work is relatively recent, most successful infant pacifiers have simulated otherwise naturally occurring human interactions. A few examples of such devices include milk bottles, nipple pacifiers, and soft dolls. In the case of somewhat older children one may also add pets and a different class of devices calculated to stimulate and interest the mind of the child. Such devices include crib chimes, animated dolls, talking dolls and the like.

While the above devices do perform the desired function of pacifying children, they suffer from various inadequacies. For example, nipple pacifiers, while they are quite inexpensive and may initially be effective, do essentially frustrate the natural expectations of the infant and, after a short time, may be recognized and rejected. Stuffed toy animals, while soft and appealing in texture, are essentially passive and thus, particularly in the case of infants, are not very effective as the infant is unable to fully appreciate the plush, its feel or its design. To a limited extent the device can be improved by incorporating an audio device (such as a digital recorder chip) in a toy doll to add an audio stimulus to such a pacifier. However, the stimulus is extremely complicated and not of a type likely to be understood or learned by a small infant.

In addition, in the case of smaller children, talking dolls are likely to have the opposite of the desired effect, that is the effect of stimulating activity, instead of providing a calming influence. U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,876 of Lee issued Jan. 12, 1988 discloses an approach toward addressing these problems. The disclosed in that patent was intended to provide a pacifier for infants and small children which is simple, inexpensive, and effective. Generally, this was achieved by providing a soft, huggable and pleasantly textured object, such as a teddy bear, with the mechanical vibration mechanism of a simple periodic nature which is capable of being understood and anticipated by even very small infants and, in the case of small children, is identifiable with life functions of a real parent, companion or pet. In accordance with the preferred embodiment in that patent, the pacifier comprised a stuffed animal with an electronic heart beat mimicking device which was actuated by the hugging of the plush stuffed animal by the child, causing the activation of a switch which caused the mechanical vibration mechanism to stimulate the feel of heartbeats as long as the switch was depressed by the hugging of the child. When the child released the hug, the device would be deactivated and the simulation of the feel of a heartbeat would terminate.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The technology for a child calming toy using rhythmic stimulation taught by the above patent to Lee worked well. However, in accordance with the present invention it has been recognized that in the cases of younger infants, hugging of the mechanism may not be a desirable way of turning the device on. For example, children may not have the intentions and to maintain a hug. Smaller children may not even make the connection between hugging and the soothing heartbeat response. Moreover, if the child falls asleep on the heart beating mechanism, it may continue beating, depleting the battery, perhaps even without providing any benefit much of the time.

The present invention, as claimed, is intended to provide a remedy. It solves the problem of how to provide a pacifier for infants and small children which is simple, inexpensive, and effective, and which at the same time works well with small children. Generally this is achieved by providing a soft, huggable and pleasantly textured object, such as a teddy bear, with the mechanical vibration mechanism of a simple periodic nature which is capable of being understood and anticipated by even very small infants and push this of a the is identifiable with life functions of a real parent, companion or pet. Upon actuation, for example by closing of an actuator switch for a short period of time, the mechanical vibration mechanism vibrates through a number of throbbing cycles, after which it automatically shuts itself off. For example, even if the child has fallen asleep on the actuator mechanism, causing it to be maintained for an extended period of time in the actuated position. More particularly, and optionally, if a child falls asleep while resting against the actuator, and is actuating it for an extended period of time, the device will function for a period of time, after which it will cease throbbing.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the inventive pacifier system comprises a stuffed animal with an electronic heartbeat mimicking device. In accordance with another optional preferred feature of the invention, the number of throbbing cycles may be varied by the user. In accordance with still another optional preferred feature of the invention, the user may be given an indication of the length of the multiple throbbing cycle period, such indication optionally taking the form of the production of a plurality of indicator throbs, the number of which indicate the length of the throbbing cycle (for example one throb indicates that the heartbeat mechanism of the toy of the present invention will operate for one minute of throbbing, two throbs indicates five minutes, three throbs indicates twenty minutes, and four throbs indicates 45 minutes of throbbing), such production of throbs being simultaneous with the closing of the mechanism or a sequential play of that number of indicator throbs after the switch system has been programmed.

Alternatively, the system may be programmed so that after the mechanism has been actuated wants or rapidly in succession to three or four times, the system counts the number of depressions and provides the desired output. The operation would be analogous to single and double-clicking with a computer mouse where repetitive clicking within a predetermined period is detected by the system and results in the programmed selectable timeframe for the heart beating function to occur.

Still another possibility is for the system to respond to extended depression of the actuator to cause an audio output from the device saying the amount of time that the device will continue beating. For example, the switch may be depressed and as it is depressed it may start to play back an audio recording which reads “five minutes, fifteen minutes, 45 minutes, two hours”. The system may be programmed so that the last recording played back controls the time that the heartbeat mechanism will beat. Moreover, optionally, the system may be designed to ignore actuation of the switch after the heart beating has begun. Optionally, however, the system may be adjusted to have a cancel button or an on-off button to conserve power and terminate a programmed instruction.

More particularly, in accordance with the present invention a child pacifying doll, comprises a skin defining a doll body configured and dimensioned to allow the doll body to be hugged. Stuffing is disposed in the skin, and fills the skin into a soft doll body form. The soft doll body form also defines an internal volume within the doll body. A vibration coupling element having a mass is disposed in the internal volume. An electromagnetic inertial pulsating device comprises a vibrating mass. The vibrating mass is coupled resiliently to the mass of the vibration coupling element. A pulse producing circuit produces electrical pulses. The electrical pulses are coupled to the electromagnetic inertial pulsating device. The vibrating mass pulsates in response to the electrical pulses to produce movements which comprise simulated heartbeats. A control circuit has a control signal output for controlling the pulse producing circuit. The control circuit is responsive to a user input to cause the pulse producing circuit i) to produce electrical pulses during an active period, or ii) to produce a limited number of pulses.

In accordance with the invention, the pulses may be produced during an active period of time of selectable duration. For example, the number of pulses comprises a selectable number of simulated heartbeats. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the control circuit comprises a switch which may be activated by the user. The switch is coupled to a time sensing circuit to generate the control signal output, the control signal output varying as a function of the time that the switch is actuated. Different values of the control signal output cause the pulse producing circuit to produce an indication of the length of the entire period. The switch is located on a support member secured to the vibrator element and the control circuit causes the control circuit to emit a control signal output triggering the electromechanical inertial pulsating device to simulate a number of heartbeats proportional to the time that the switch is activated. The indication of the length of play of the heart beats may be an audio recording.

The vibration coupling element may be a casing and the electromechanical device may be disposed within the casing.

The electromechanical device may comprise a resilient member securing the vibration coupling element to the vibrating mass and an electromagent for displacing two ends of the member with respect to each other to extreme relatively close positions relative to each other where the two ends are still spaced apart from each other whereby displacement occurs without impact. The electromechanical device may moves the vibrating mass from a point proximate but not contacting the electromechanical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

One way of carrying out the invention is described in detail below with reference to drawings which illustrate only specific embodiments of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustrating the position of a heart-beat simulator contained within the inventive toy;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the simulator;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the vibrator circuit of the simulator;

FIG. 5 is a is a plan view of the heart beat transducer;

FIG. 6 is a plan view along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a graph of the excitation voltage to the transducer; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the method of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the inventive method;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the inventive drive circuitry; and

FIG. 11 block diagram of an alternative drive circuit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, the preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to dolls and toy animals including a subsystem which provides the impression of actual heart beats. It is believed that the inventive device which may take the form of a doll, a pillow, blanket, mattress and so forth, such as toy animal or teddy bear 10, with a heart-beat simulator 12 will induce in the person playing with it feelings of contentment, warmth and comfort, and aesthetic satisfaction similar to those the person would experience if the person were hugging a living person, pet animal or the like. Housing 14 comprises a front cover 16 and a rear cover 18 which may engage each other via an overhanging edge 20 on the rear cover as illustrated in FIG. 3. As can be seen most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, a heart shaped push button actuator 22 is slidingly mounted in the front cover 16 for movement toward and away from rear cover 18. This movement is achieved by providing a support pin 24 which is secured to actuator 22 and slides in a sleeve 26 which is secured to and integral with front cover 16. Actuator 22 together with support pin 24 is prevented from falling out from housing 14 by a stop member 28 which is integral with pin 24.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 3, support pin 24 directly overlies a switch 30 which is wired to actuate an electronic pulsing circuit powered by a battery 32, or, for example, a pair of AA dry cell batteries or any other suitable electrical power source. Replacement of worn batteries is accommodated by a slide battery cover 34 of conventional design and which incorporates gripping surface 36. Cover 34 is configured to be slidingly removed in the direction indicated by arrow 38 upon the application of appropriate pressure to gripping surface 36. Finally, the housing contains an electronic pulse generating microprocessor-based circuit 40, as appears to more fully below, and a heartbeat simulating transducer 42.

Transducer 42, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, comprises an electromagnet 44 which includes a core 46 around which the windings of electromagnet 44 are wound. The windings are confined by a pair of spool ends 48 and 50 which serve as a means for securing electromagnet 44 to a support 52. Support 52 is made from a generally T-shaped sheet of ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 6, the sheet is bent to form a pair of magnetic flux conducting members 54 and 56 and a spring support 58 (FIG. 6).

Electromagnet 44 actuates a ferromagnetic bob 60 which is mounted on a ferromagnetic strip 62 by epoxy or any other suitable adhesive. Strip 62, in turn, is riveted by rivets 64 to spring 66 which, in turn, is riveted by rivets 68 to support 58. The spring constant of spring 66 is such that upon the application of a pulse to electromagnet 44, bob 60 will be attracted toward but will not make mechanical contact with the top surfaces 70 and 72 of members 54 and 56. Thus, no clicking sound (or any substantial sound, for that matter) will be produced by the application of pulses to electromagnet 44, even though bob 60 is periodically displaced by electromagnetic force and springs a back on the removal of such electromagnetic force.

A typical driving voltage is illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the pulses alternate between a higher amplitude pulse 74 having a relatively low frequency content and a smaller amplitude pulse 76 having a relatively high frequency content, as illustrated in FIG. 7. As these pulses are applied to transducer 42, the result is to deflect the mass of bob 60. Deflection of bob 60 causes relative movement of housing 14 with respect to bob 60. This gives an individual in contact with housing 14 the impression of a beating heart, as heart-shaped housing 14 vibrates backwards and forwards in the chest of bear 10.

In accordance with the present invention, the algorithm for implementing the invention may take a number of forms, as described above. More particularly, for example, the algorithm employed may be that illustrated in FIG. 8. The operation of the system is implemented at step 110 upon the actuation of switch 30. The time that switch 30 is actuated is measured at step 112. If the duration of time during which switch 30 is actuated is to determine the number of heartbeats to be output by transducer 42, the time may be measured by a series of threshold time periods, each of which is associated with the production of a particular number of beats up to the maximum number of beats which is triggered at the maximum threshold.

Accordingly, at step 114, the system determines whether successive thresholds have been reached for so long as switch 30 is actuated. Each time a threshold is reached, that information is stored in a register at step 116. Simultaneously, the system determines whether the maximum threshold has been reached at step 118. If the maximum threshold has not been reached, the system returns to step 112. Likewise, as the various steps are achieved and registered at step 116, a duration indicator is actuated at step 120 with the system returning to the time measurement step 112. In accordance with this embodiment of the inventive system, at step 120 duration indicating pulses are sent to the transducer 42. For example, if three pulses indicates a duration of 45 minutes, three pulses are sent to the transducer 42 at step 120. For example, this may be the sending of a pulse to the transducer at the achievement of each threshold up to the maximum threshold.

Once the maximum threshold has been detected at step 118, the system proceeds to step 122 where the number of pulses sent to the register at step 116 trigger the production of a series of pulses in the transducer at step 124. This may optionally be contingent upon switch 30 being no longer actuated.

In similar fashion, instead of telling the person actuating the device of the duration of the series of heartbeat pulses that will be produced by way of a number of pulses, the system may also accommodate the generation of audio informing of the duration of the period for which pulses will be produced.

In accordance with this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the algorithm for implementing the invention may take the form illustrated in FIG. 9. The operation of the system is implemented at step 210 upon the actuation of switch 30. The time that switch 30 is actuated is measured at step 212. If the duration of time during which switch 30 is actuated is to determine the number of heartbeats to be output (on the duration of heartbeat generation) by transducer 42, the time may be measured by a series of threshold time periods, each of which is associated with the production of a particular number of beats up to the maximum number of beats which is triggered at the maximum threshold.

Accordingly, at step 214, the system determines whether successive thresholds have been reached for so long as switch 30 is actuated. Each time a threshold is reached, the same is stored in a register at step 216. Simultaneously, the system determines whether the maximum threshold has been reached at step 218. If the maximum threshold has not been reached, the system returns to step 212. Likewise, as the various thresholds are achieved and registered at step 216, a duration indicator is actuated at step 220 with the system returning to the time measurement step 212.

In accordance with this embodiment of the inventive system, at step 220 duration indicating audio is sent to a loudspeaker. For example, such audio may be a recording of the phrase “five minutes” if the first-time threshold has been reached, “15 minutes” if the second time threshold has been reached, and “45 minutes” if and when the third time threshold has been reached. Thus, the recording played at step 120 may appear as a continuous phrase “five minutes, 15 minutes, 45 minutes”. However, the recording would be cut off at the announcement of the time interval corresponding to the threshold associated with the largest time frame which was reached by the system in response to actuation of switch 30.

Similarly, once the maximum threshold has been detected at step 218, the system proceeds to step 222 where the number of pulses stored in the register at step 116 produce a series of pulses in the transducer at step 224, optionally provided that switch 30 is no longer actuated.

A system for implementing the algorithm illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 8 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In the system illustrated in FIG. 10, operation is initiated by actuation of actuator switch 30. Actuator switch 30 is coupled to an analog to digital converter 78 which converts the analog time for which actuator switch 30 is closed to a digital number. This digital number may be generated, for example, by having actuator switch 30 switch a current source to charge a capacitor. The voltage accumulated across the capacitor over time is proportional to the time for which switch 30 is closed. This voltage may be converted to a digital number in a manner well known in the art. The output of analog-to-digital converter 78 may then be used to drive a microprocessor 80 which is driven by a clock 82. Microprocessor 80 may be programmed in a manner well known in the art to drive an amplifier 84 to produce pulses which in turn are used to drive transducer 42.

Microprocessor 80, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, generates pulses which indicate the duration of the period for which simulated heartbeats will be output by the system. Thereafter, upon the release of the switch, microprocessor 80 may be programmed to deliver the desired number of heartbeats to amplifier 84 to be output by transducer 42.

A system for implementing the algorithm illustrated in the block diagram of FIG. 9 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In the system illustrated in FIG. 11, operation is initiated by actuation of actuator switch 30. Actuator switch 30 is coupled to an analog to digital converter 178 which converts the analog time for which actuator switch 30 is closed to a digital number. This digital number may be generated by, for example, having actuator switch 30 switch a current source to charge a capacitor. The voltage accumulated across the capacitor over time is proportional to the time for which switch 30 was closed. This voltage may be converted to a digital number in a manner well known in the art.

The output of analog-to-digital converter 178 may then be used to drive a microprocessor 180 which is driven by a clock 182. Microprocessor 180 may be programmed in a manner well known in the art to drive an amplifier 184 to produce pulses which in turn are used to drive transducer 42.

Microprocessor 180, in accordance with the instant preferred embodiment, generates control signals which indicate the duration of the period for which simulated heartbeats will be output by the system. Thereafter, upon the release of the switch 30, microprocessor 180 may be programmed to deliver the desired number of heartbeats to amplifier 184 to be output by transducer 42. Microprocessor 180, during the actuation of switch 30 also actuates microprocessor 186, which has been programmed as an audio phrase recorder, to output the audio phrases “five minutes”, “15 minutes”, and “45 minutes” in sequence, as described above.

When it is desired to use the inventive child pacifying device, the simulator 12 is provided with a battery 32 by removal of slide battery cover 34 which, after insertion of the battery is put back on the housing. The simulator 12 is then placed in a pocket 88 which is sewn into bear 10. Pocket 88 is closed by mating Velcro (™) strips 90 and 92 which are contained within the pocket just inside its opening 94. After the pocket is closed by bringing Velcro strips 90 and 92 into contact with each other, the teddy bear is then ready to be enjoyed by the child.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the parent, other caretaker or child may then depress the actuator switch 30 initiating the heart beat output sequence selected.

If desired an outer heart 96 may be sewn to the body of the teddy bear to cause a child to associate the heartbeat with, for example, an applique heart 96. In the alternative applique heart 96 may be sewn to an item of clothing to be worn by the bear 10.

When the child either hugs the bear or feels its heart or an adult, babysitter or older child presses the actuator 22, this causes actuator 22 to drive pin 24 toward switch 30 closing the electrical circuit and commencing, in accordance with the methodology of FIG. 8 or 9, for example, the generation of the pulses illustrated in FIG. 7 to the transducer illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As discussed above, this results in the perception of a pulsating heart within toy bear 10.

If desired, it is possible to regulate the strength of the heartbeats in accordance with the power of the battery or, perhaps, the desire to minimize the strength of the heartbeat to allow a particular child to sleep by regulation of the electrical value of the pulse in a manner known in the art. If the child has fallen asleep, even sleeping on the bear closing the switch to be actuated, or has stopped playing with the bear, the system is programmed to cease producing pulses after the time period, to which it has been set, has expired, thus conserving power in the battery.

While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described, it is, of course, understood that various modifications of the invention will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the appended claims. 

1. A child pacifying doll, comprising: (a) a skin defining a doll body; (b) stuffing disposed in said skin, and filling said skin into a soft doll body form and defining an internal volume within said doll body; (c) a vibration coupling element having a mass, said vibration coupling element disposed in said internal volume; (d) an electromagnetic inertial pulsating device, said electromagnetic inertial pulsating device comprising a vibrating mass, said vibrating mass being coupled resiliently to the mass of the vibration coupling element; (e) a pulse producing circuit for producing electrical pulses, said electrical pulses being coupled to said electromagnetic inertial pulsating device, said vibrating mass pulsating in response to said electrical pulses to produce movements in said vibration coupling element which comprise simulated heartbeats; and f) a control circuit having a control signal output for controlling said pulse producing circuit, said control circuit being responsive to a user input to cause said pulse producing circuit i) to produce electrical pulses during an active period, or ii) to produce a limited number of pulses.
 2. A child pacifying device, comprising: (a) a surface member defining a device body; (b) a pocket defining member secured to said surface member, said pocket defining member defining an internal volume; (c) a vibration coupling element having a mass, disposed in said internal volume; (d) an electromechanical inertial pulsating device, said electromechanical inertial pulsating device comprising a vibrating mass, said vibrating mass being coupled resiliently to the mass of the vibration coupling element; (e) a pulse producing circuit for producing electrical pulses, said electrical pulses being coupled to said electromechanical inertial pulsating device, said vibrating mass pulsating in response to said electrical pulses to produce movements which comprise simulated heartbeats; and f) a control circuit having a control signal output for controlling said pulse producing circuit, said control circuit being responsive to a user input to cause said pulse producing circuit to produce electrical pulses during an active period following activation of said pulse producing circuit even if said actuation has been terminated, and then to cease producing pulses.
 3. A child pacifying device as in claim 2, wherein said pulses may be produced during an active period of time of selectabel duration.
 4. A child pacifying device as in claim 2, wherein said number of pulses comprises a selectable number of simulated heartbeats.
 5. A child pacifying device as in claim 2, wherein said control circuit comprises a switch, said switch being activatable by said user; said switch being coupled to a time sensing circuit to generate said control signal output, said control signal output varying as a function of the time that said switch is actuated, different values of said control signal output causing said pulse producing circuit to produce an indication of the length of the entire period.
 6. A child pacifying device as in claim 5, wherein said switch is located on a support member secured to said vibrator element and said control circuit causes said control circuit to emit a control signal output triggering said electromechanical inertial pulsating device to simulate a number of heartbeats proportional to the time that said switch is activated.
 7. A child pacifying device as in claim 2, further comprising a switch for activating said electromechanical inertial pulsating device, said switch being located on a support member secured to said vibrator element.
 8. A child pacifying device as in claim 5, wherein said indication is an audio recording.
 9. A child pacifying device as in claim 7, wherein said vibration coupling element is a casing and said electromechanical device is disposed within said casing.
 10. A device as in claim 1 wherein said device is a plush stuffed doll and said volume communicates with the ambient through a port defined by the surface member and further comprising a closure secured around said port for closing said volume.
 11. A device as in claim 7 wherein said switch actuates said pulsating device in response to the application of an object to the outer surface of said doll body.
 12. A device as in claim 11 wherein said skin has an inside surface and said switch comprises a push button which extends from said pulsating device and bears against said inside surface of said skin.
 13. A device as in claim 7 wherein said electromechanical device comprises an electronic driver which is turned on and off by said switch which is positioned to be actuated upon application of hugging pressure around said doll body.
 14. A device as in claim 2, wherein said switch comprises a push button switch positioned to be actuated upon hugging of the doll body and wherein said push-button switch actuates an electronic driver which drives said electromechanical device and wherein said electronic driver outputs a series of electrical pulses.
 15. A device as in claim 8 wherein said pulses alternate between pulses of relatively high frequency content and relatively low frequency content.
 16. A device as in claim 2, wherein said pulsating device is actuated by electrical pulses and further comprising a control to vary the amplitude of said electrical pulses.
 17. A device as in claim 2, wherein said electromechanical device comprises a resilient member securing said vibration coupling element to said vibrating mass and an electromagnet for displacing two ends of said member with respect to each other to extreme relatively close positions relative to each other where the two ends are still spaced apart from each other whereby displacement occurs without impact.
 18. A device as in claim 2, wherein said electromechanical device moves said vibrating mass from a point proximate but not contacting said electromechanical device.
 19. A doll is in claim 2, wherein said resilient member comprises a U-shaped leaf spring.
 20. A child pacifying doll, comprising: (a) a soft doll body; (b) a pocket associated with said body and defining a volume in said body, said pocket opening to the outer surface of said body; (c) a casing disposed within said volume; (d) a vibrating weight member associated with said casing; (e) an electromagnet disposed in said casing; (f) a leaf spring for securing said electromagnet to said vibrating weight member at a position where said vibrating member is displaced by actuation of said electromagnet, said electromagnet and said vibrating member forming a pulsation assembly; (g) structure securing said assembly to said casing; and (h) a drive causing said vibrating weight member to vibrate for a limited period of time in response to an actuation of said assembly, even if said actuation has been discontinued.
 21. A doll, comprising (a) a soft doll body; (b) an internal compartment disposed in said body; (c) a bob weight disposed in said compartment; (d) an electromechanical member disposed in said compartment; (e) a leaf spring for securing said electromechanical member to said bob weight at a position to be displaced by said electromechanical member; (f) a drive circuit, coupled to receive an actuation input, said drive circuit applying pulses of electrical energy to said electromagnetic member sufficient to displace said bob weight with respect to said electromagnetic member only to extreme positions of said bob weight relative to said electromagnetic member where said bob weight and said electromagnetic member are spaced apart from each other whereby movement occurs without impact, said pulses being applied for a limited period of time, even after removal of said actuation input, and even if said actuation input is maintained indefinitely 